Mendoza making most of chance at Club Tijuana

Omar Mendoza (left) has started in two of his four appearances for Club Tijuana in the 2018 Liga MX Clausura. (Photo: Mexsport)

TIJUANA, Mexico – After a long tenure in Mexico City, you could forgive Omar Mendoza for needing time to adapt to his new surroundings at Club Tijuana.

In reality, though, the 29-year-old defender has fit like a glove with the Xolos after having spent the previous 10 years in the Cruz Azul system -- first with Cruz Azul Hidalgo and then the Cruz Azul first team.

Since making the move northwest, Mendoza has made four appearances in the young 2018 Liga MX Clausura season -- including starts in the last two matches -- in helping Club Tijuana to a 2W-3D-0L start.

“I have felt good, adapting in a good way,” said Mendoza, who is on a one-year loan. “Being able to play and help keep a clean sheet is really what has helped me adapt in the best way.”

Club Tijuana’s defense has certainly been one of the best stories in Liga MX thus far. It is the only team yet to have conceded a goal, despite the fact the attack has only found the back of the net three times.

With a number of crunch fixtures on the docket in February, including the 2018 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League round of 16 series with Honduras’ Motagua (1st leg: Feb. 21, away; 2nd leg: Feb. 27, away), Mendoza realizes there’s more upon which to improve.

“We know that if we get a shutout and we have a goal, it is a win,” he finished. “We want to fine-tune our attack, have more runs into the opposing area and get more goals. We’re working especially on positioning and zones in search of what the manager wants.”

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